Are your parents supportive of your career choice? 55% students feel empowered as per Shiksha poll

In a poll conducted by Shiksha.com, we asked students if their parents are supportive of their career choice. More than 50 per cent of students agreed that they have the freedom to choose their career. 21 per cent of students shared that their parents agreed with their choice. Read more on what other students had to say...

Are your parents supportive of your career choice? We're sure they must be, as this is what we observe after conducting a Shiksha poll that saw participation from over eight thousand Class 12 students.

The Class 12th results have been declared by all national and state boards of India. Students are in a phase where they have to decide on a course or programme to pursue higher education. Some students appear for various entrance exams, hoping to get through one or two of them and to make a career in whichever program they get admitted to, while others have decided on their career strategy and now plan to pursue it with focus.

In olden times, medicine and engineering were the only career options available to children. Many forcefully pursued it due to parental pressure, some felt guilty if they were not able to score well and make a career in these professions, while others fought with their parents to pursue a career of their choice. Over time, with new career choices making space in the professional job market, we wanted to know if students still face parental pressure while deciding on their careers.

So, Shiksha.com conducted a poll asking students if their parents were supportive of their career choice. It is heartening to find out that a whopping 55 per cent of students said that they feel fully empowered to make their own decisions. This shows that parents have accepted the new careers that are making space in the professional market.

21 per cent of students shared that their parents agreed with their choice of careers. One of these respondents shared that both his parents are doctors, but he always dreamed of becoming a singer. However, even though his parents weren't very supportive of his career choice initially, later they agreed with him to join professional singing classes.

This is a promising indicator of evolving family dynamics, where open-mindedness and individual agency are on the rise.

Of the total participants, nine percent of students shared that they are still trying to convince their parents to agree with their choice of careers. They shared that their parents fear that these new upcoming professions will not offer good money and will limit their professional growth in the future. Seven percent of the respondents reported that they have decided to follow their parents' advice. These children believe that their parents have seen the world and know what is better for the children.

However, eight per cent of the participants shared that they are unsure of their future and require career counselling. These children do not have anyone to consult for their career choices, and so want to consult a career counsellor to guide them.

Thus, parental support plays a crucial role in career development, but the degree of support varies widely. With families communicating openly about diversified careers, the hope is that students can find clarity and confidence in their professional journey, with their parents walking beside them.

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